Mink
They are common but secretive. Many may have seen them while
fishing a favorite stream or while taking a walk along the
water’s edge. That quick blur out of the corner of your eye that
left you wondering if you’re seeing things. Odds are that blur
was Mustela vison, the mink.
Mink are ferocious predators that are about the size of a
housecat and chocolate-brown in color. Their long, thin bodies,
short legs, small eyes and ears, and sleek fur make them just
the right size to fit in many holes, crevices and burrows to
pursue prey. They may eat ground squirrels, rats, snakes and
even birds. Mink are also semi-aquatic and their webbed feet
allow them to capture frogs, clams and even fish.
These shy mammals can be found statewide around permanent water
but prefer smaller streams choked or lined with debris. They may
den in the debris or may dig burrows among the roots of trees.
They have even been known to evict or kill muskrats to use their
den.
Mink are often nocturnal, but can be seen around dusk and dawn.
They are active year-round, but stay closer to their den during
winter. They don’t hibernate, but if the winter is especially
harsh or if there is deep snow, they may curl up in the den and
sleep a day or two before emerging to hunt.
Solitary by nature, mink will locate a mate in February and
breed. The females are responsible for raising the four blind,
helpless “kittens” born about six weeks after breeding. They are
covered with a coat of fine, silvery-white hair and will grow
their adult fur seven weeks later. The young are weaned around
three months and will venture out on their own after about five
months.
Mink are generally shy creatures but can be very bold if their
curiosity is piqued. Those who are fortunate to observe a mink’s
behavior should use caution. The animals have scent glands under
the skin and when they get excited or stressed, musk is
released. The obnoxious odor can be just as repulsive as a
skunk’s.
The mink is one of the most common fur-bearing animals harvested
in the United States. Oklahoma’s harvest season runs from Dec. 1
through Jan. 31, and there is no limit to the number of mink
that can be taken. Trappers must possess a special trapping
license, while hunters must possess a hunting license.
Mink are also one of the few furbearers that can be raised on
commercial fur farms. Mink fur is extremely soft and very
durable. Smaller pelts are sewn together to make coats and
larger ones are typically used for fur trimmings. While mink
farms are controversial, wild mink are quite common and
populations appear healthy.
So, next time you are near water or at your fishing hole and
begin seeing little shadows moving in the brush around dawn or
dusk, just remember the mink, one of our most secretive
furbearers.